Fine knocks by Niraj Patel and Nilesh Modi put Gujarat in a commanding position against Maharashtra on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group B match in Nashik on Tuesday.

At stumps, Gujarat were 200 for the loss of two wickets.

Niraj, who came after fall of Azhar Bilkhia's wicket shortly after lunch, scored an unbeaten 92, including 15 boundaries off 189 balls, and put on 119 runs with Modi for the second wicket.

Gujarat captain and former India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel won the toss and elected to bat. He was unbeaten on five at stumps.

Bilkhia, who scored 36 runs, including four boundaries, was trapped leg before wicket by Maharashtra captain Sairaj Bahutule. It was the bowler's only success of the day.

Gujarat, before today's match, had earned four points from five matches. This is the last match for them in the league, while Maharashtra have five points from four matches.

Maharashtra's fielding was not up to the mark. Nashik lad Suyash Burkul, in his 25.4 overs bowled, gave away 55 runs without taking any wicket, while spinner Rohit Jadhav bowled 23 overs, including seven maidens, conceding 35 runs.

Scorecard

Gujarat (1st innings):
Nilesh Modi run out Shriram 57
Azhar Bilakhia lbw b Sairaj Bahutule 36
Niraj Patel batting 92
Parthiv Patel batting 05
Extras: (lb-6,w-1,nb-3) 10
Total: (for 2 wickets in 90 overs) 200

Fall of wickets: 1/62, 2/181.

Bowling: Anupam Sanklecha 16-3-58-0, Suyash Burkul 25.4-8-55-0, Sairaj Bahutule 21.2-9-38-1, Rohit Jadhav 23-7-35-0, Shridharan Shriram 4-1-8-0.